Travel Desk

FROM our boat chugging its way across Sydney Harbour, the tourists on top of the famous Bridge look tiny.

“That’ll be us tomorrow!” my travelling companion gleefully shouts. I gulp. I’m not a fan of heights.

The splendour of the Opera House, bathed in early autumn sunshine, provides a welcome distraction as we make the short trip up the coast.

The $A8 (£4) ferry trip to the chilled beach suburb of Manly is a cheap way to get the stunning views of Sydney’s skyline from the water without shelling out for a tourist boat.

Manly is a popular spot for surfing, swimming and chilling out, and we also went to snorkel in the protected marine reserve of Cabbage Tree Bay with our expert guide from EcoTreasures.

Just a few hours earlier we’d been knocking back cocktails in the late-night bars of harbourside area, The Rocks.

SWISS GRAND TOUR

I went on Europe’s ‘Route 66’ with 46 attractions and beautiful beaches

TEMPTED?

Tiny ‘Bali of Europe’ town with stunning beaches, €3 cocktails and £20 flights

But a 20-minute hop on a ferry and we were donning masks and flippers and seeing a wonderful array of exotic sea creatures in their natural habitat.

We saw green turtles, blue gropers, banjo rays and tropical butterfly fish in Manly’s welcoming waters.

A quick stop for a tasty beach-side lunch with waves crashing below us at The Pantry, and we head back into the city for a sumptuous waterfront dinner at Midden by Mark Olive in the base of the Opera House, before taking in its annual open-air show just round the corner.

That was a decent distraction ahead of the looming bridge climb.

The experience isn’t cheap, with prices from £126pp, but the views are as amazing as you’d expect.

And, for those who also get nervous around heights, it wasn’t too bad at all, given the gradual nature of the climb and the sturdy construction of the bridge!

Our climb was led by an indigenous Australian guide who gave us a fascinating walk-through of Sydney’s history from an Aboriginal perspective as we ascended.

And that native Australian flavour underpinned all of our experiences as we explored Sydney – from our harbour tour with the Tribal Warrior Cruise company to a menu inspired by traditional bush food at Midden.

A guided tour around the city’s stunning (and free to enter) Botanical Gardens was a relaxing way to spend a sunny afternoon.

If you’re travelling as part of a group, I’d recommend buying a picnic box from the Botanic House restaurant to take out among the exotic trees and chattering birds.

For a less formal, more fun way to eat in the evening, try the newly opened Paddy’s Markets just a short hop from the city centre in Chinatown.

Here, you’ll find an array of vibrant street food and bars serving cocktails or whatever else takes your fancy after a day exploring.

Or if you’re celebrating – after Sydney helped you conquer your fear of heights.

Simon Calder warned that, even if the major airports reopen, it will take some time for normal service to resume

A travel expert claims international airports currently shut due to military action in Iran could reopen earlier than many anticipate. Journalist Simon Calder shared his forecast whilst boarding a flight from Istanbul, Turkey.

One individual has died and 11 others have been wounded at airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Over 3,400 flights have been scrapped and airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), along with Qatar’s capital, Doha, and Manama in Bahrain were among those shuttered.

The Foreign Office is advising British nationals against all but essential travel to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE. This means hundreds of thousands of travellers are stranded in the region, many of whom are believed to be either British or those attempting to fly to the UK.

In an Instagram video, Mr Calder stated: “The main question is when is the disruption going to stop?”.

“Dubai indefinitely closed; Emirates is kind of saying that sometime on Monday it might start up again. Doha, they’re going to give an update at 6 o’clock British time tomorrow. And Etihad and Abu Dhabi airport, they’re saying, well actually, yeah, we might be opening before that.

“And I hope that the flight ban and also the travel advice from the Foreign Office saying do not go to these places will be lifted as soon as possible so that people can come back.

“I’m going to say, if you twisted my arm, we will probably see flights start up in the next couple of days but in a small way because, of course, planes and pilots and cabin crew and passengers are all out of position. So it’s going to take some time to get this back to normal and I simply hope that it is done with the maximum energy and indeed money just to try to make sure that people are back when they need to be as soon as possible.”

Mr Calder explained that – aside from the Covid-19 pandemic – disruption on the scale witnessed over the weekend hadn’t been seen since the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull volcano eruption and resulting ash cloud in Iceland.

READ MORE: Travel expert Simon Calder issues three-word advice for Brits caught up in Iran attacksREAD MORE: Travel expert Simon Calder predicts when BA, Etihad and Emirates flights will resume after Iran attack

During that week-long episode, approximately 20 countries shut their airspace to commercial aircraft, affecting roughly 10 million passengers. Mr Calder suggested things weren’t quite that severe ‘yet’ but described these as extraordinary circumstances and warned matters were ‘definitely heading in that direction’.

He also noted that, given the sheer scale of the airports affected and the extent of the chaos, it would require a substantial amount of time for the situation to resolve itself even once flights restarted.

He added: “Just bear in mind that every day that there are no flights going in and out of the world’s busiest international airport, Dubai, and Doha, and Abu Dhabi, that is two and a half thousand flights and about half a million people. The numbers are really staggering.

“Every hour generally, on average, 20,000 people land and depart from those airports, and so you have a massive problem building up. And certainly the numbers haven’t been added to because, of course, people are there, but what’s happening is that people’s holidays are ending and so they are being added to the back of the queue at the airport. It’s a desperate position for them to be in.

“It is going to be quite interesting to see how it is done, because you’ve got to remember that the numbers in Dubai rather exceed the current capacity of them.

“So let’s take a case of an expat who’s booked on the 5th of March, and let’s hope very much that flights are back on the 5th of March. That expat is expected to take her or his seat, and the fact that somebody’s been there for five days and really wants to get home isn’t relevant; it’s whoever’s got the booking in.

“And so I think there may well be shuttle services operated. They might even go to somewhere like Cyprus; they might just take people back and forth to a relatively short-haul destination from where people can board relatively short-haul flights. That would seem to cause the least amount of problem. I

” don’t know if this is going to happen, but I do know that there’s an awful lot of people out there who really want to be somewhere else and heavens, just imagine the stress and upset if you know that there’s somebody across the Gulf who is sending drones and missiles in your direction. A horrible situation for everybody.”

I LISTEN in pitch darkness as a creature scuttles from one end of my canvas roof to the other.

Huntsman spider? Giant goanna lizard? A giant goanna lizard-sized spider? My mind is racing.

Finally Emma, our Australian host, answers my panicked WhatsApp. “It’s a possum, Stew. No one ever died from a possum.”

Reassured, I snuggle back down under the covers and drift off to sleep with the soundtrack of the Australian forest echoing around me.

I’m staying at Paperbark Camp, an ­eco-glamping retreat 120 miles south of Sydney, tucked away in dense woodland on the banks of Currambene Creek.

My “pod” — essentially a wooden base with canvas roof and walls — has a sumptuous double bed, a deck with chairs and tables to chill while watching the exotic birdlife and kangaroos, and a delightful bath and shower room at the rear that is fully open to the forest.

WAIL OF A TIME

I drove Irish Route 66 with deserted golden beaches and pirate-like islands

SUN UP

8 holiday destinations Sun Travel team are eyeing up for March with flights from £13

And, yes, I did check under the loo seat for spiders!

The camp is our base for a week exploring the delights of rural New South Wales.

Yes, Sydney is a fantastic city but what if you want a ­little more adventure and authenticity?

It was certainly a chance to get close to the famous Aussie wildlife, with possums trotting up to the bar terrace and mobs of kangaroos grazing just yards away in the paddocks surrounding the camp.

Having honed our canoeing skills with the camp’s boats on the delightfully placid creek, we headed up the road to Kangaroo Valley for a paddle with a twist.

Here, we had two canoes lashed together either side of a picnic table, with two bottles of local fizz chilling and freshly-made hors d’oeuvres. How civilised.

Our sedate hour-long paddle up the river surrounded by steep tree-covered mountainsides in the morning sunshine was beautiful, with guide Travis acting as wildlife spotter and giving us an education on the ways of the Aussie bush.

Every stop we made shed more fascinating light on the history of the country’s indigenous people and each stop revealed more of their mind-blowing bushcraft and knowledge of the land.

Up in the Blue Mountains — a Unesco world heritage site — local tribal elder “Uncle Dave” gave us a warm welcome to Scenic World and an enthralling introduction to Aboriginal history.

Whether out in the bush or in Sydney, a tour encompassing Australia’s indigenous culture is well worth the time, with more than 300 distinct “nations” living side by side in harmony for thousands of years, each with their own spiritual connection to the country around them.

Uncle Dave had our group enthralled as he talked us through the customs and folklore of the breathtaking landscape around us from a cable car 800ft above the forest canopy.

The same was true as we toured the mangroves and woodlands of the beautiful coastal town of Jervis Bay.

Here, our guide Jacob fashioned a soothing ointment for insect bites from the sap of a bracken fern he’d pulled from the ground in front of us.

No plant goes to waste, he explained, pointing out some of the various unique uses for the wide range of trees and grasses around us.

The plentiful mangrove trees and their twisted branches are perfect for making boomerangs, for example.

If the idea of walking through a coastal forest with stunning views of the ocean is your thing, the 90-minute trek from Hyams Beach to Greenfield is well worth a look, with miles of beautiful white sand — the whitest in the world, the locals claim — and crystal-clear waters.

There are of course snorkelling spots in the area, and a quick boat trip out into the bay will almost guarantee a sight of dolphins, with migrating whales also around from May to November every year.

Jervis Bay’s beaches are also famous for stunning night-time displays of bioluminescence — in which a plankton “bloom” in the water glows in the dark — but that’s not an experience you can plan for!

The local indigenous people’s name for Jervis Bay translates as “Bay of Plenty”, and the seafood on offer at renowned local watering hole The Huskisson Hotel certainly reflects that — a perfect way to refuel after a busy day and watch the sun set.

Exploring the stunning countryside of New South Wales will obviously require a car, and the average cost of hiring in Sydney is £45 a day.

And remember, they drive on the left Down Under so it’s easy for us Brits!

Back in the pitch darkness of the forest at Paperbark Camp, I’m woken from my well-earned slumber by a series of shrieks that sound not unlike the Demogorgon from Stranger Things.

I text Emma in the pod next door: “Did you hear that?”

As my ears pick up a rustling in the undergrowth just beyond my deck, her reply comes back: “If I told you that was just a possum, would you believe me?”

I don’t — but at least I know it can’t possibly be a 2ft Huntsman Spider.

Multiple airlines have made the decision to suspend services across the Middle East, which is also affecting other routes.

Airlines from across the world have continued to cancel flights across the Middle East after the US and Israel launched “major combat operations” across Iran. It prompted retaliatory strikes across the Middle East – hitting Dubai, Doha, Bahrain and Kuwait, all home to US bases, as well as Israel.

Airspace across the countries has remained virtually empty. Major Middle Eastern airports, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha have been shut or severely restricted as a result.

Many Brits enjoy holidaying in the likes of Dubai and have faced delays to their scheduled plans. The UK Foreign Office has told Brits not to travel to Israel or Palestine, and is advising people already in destinations such as Dubai, Bahrain and Kuwait to seek shelter.

In a statement on its website the Foreign Office said: “Due to the threat posed by escalation in the region, we recommend against all travel to Israel and Palestine. On 28 February 2026, the US and Israel commenced joint military action in Iran, Israeli airspace has now closed.”

The Foreign Office has also updated its advice for British citizens currently in destinations including Dubai, Bahrain and Kuwait. It said: “Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities.”

The situation is quickly changing, so anyone due to fly in the coming days should also seek advise from their flight operator.

Ensure our latest stories always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

Cancelled flights to the Middle East

Aegean Airlines – Greece’s largest airline has suspended flights to Tel Aviv in Israel, Beirut in Lebanon and Erbil in Iraq until March 2.

Air Astana – All flights to the Middle East have been cancelled until March 3.

Air Canada – All flights from Canada to Israel have been cancelled until March 8. All flights to Dubai have been cancelled until March 3.

Air Europa – The Spanish airline has cancelled flights to Tel Aviv and is monitoring the situation to assess operations on Tuesday.

Air France KLM – All flights to and from Tel Aviv and Beirut cancelled for Saturday. Dutch KLM weekend flights to and from Dubai, Dammam and Riyadh have been cancelled.

Azerbaijan Airlines – All flights to and from Dubai, Doha, Jeddah and Tel Aviv suspended.

British Airways – Flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain cancelled until March 3.

Cathay Pacific – Flights to and from Dubai and Riyadh suspended.

Emirates – All flights to and from Dubai suspended until March 2.

Etihad – Flights from Abu Dhabi suspended until 2pm local time on Sunday.

FlyDubai – All flights to and from Dubai suspended until 3pm local time on Sunday.

ITA Airways – Flights to and from Tel Aviv and not using airspace of Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Iran until March 7.

Lot Polish Airlines – Flights to Tel Aviv suspended until March 15. Flights to Dubai and Riyadh cancelled until March 2.

Lufthansa – Flights to and from Tel Aviv in Israel, Beirut in Lebanon and Oman suspended until March 7. Flights to and from Dubai on Saturday and Sunday suspended.

Norwegian Air – All flights to and from Dubai suspended until March 4.

Pegasus Airlines – Flights to Iran, Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon were cancelled up to and including March 2.

Qatar Airways – Flights suspended due to closure of Quatari airspace. Update coming by 9am local time on Monday.

Turkish Airlines – Flights to Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Oman cancelled on Saturday. Flights to Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran and Jordan cancelled until March 2.

Wizz Air – Flights to and from Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Amman halted with immediate effect until March 7.

Knock-on effect

Air India – Flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Amritsar to London, New York, Chicago, Toronto, Frankfurt and Paris on Sunday have been cancelled. More flights to London, Birmingham, Amsterdam, Zurich, Milan, Vienna, Copenhagen and Frankfurt had been cancelled.

IndiGo – Temporary suspension of international flights using Middle Eastern airspace until Monday.

Japan Airlines – Cancelled flight on Saturday from Tokyo Haneda to Doha and return flight on March 1.

Lufthansa – Will not fly through Israeli, Lebanese, Jordanian, Iraqi and Iranian airspace until March 7.

Virgin Atlantic – Will avoid Iraqi airspace, resulting in some pre-planned rerouting of flights.

LESS than an hour away from glamorous Porto is a lesser-known destination that is even cheaper then Lisbon too.

Braga is Portugal’s oldest city, and the third-largest in the country.

It’s actually nowhere near the Portuguese capital and that’s what makes Braga more affordable.

According to Wise, the average cost of beer in Braga is €2.50 (£2.19).

The average price of a meal out at a restaurant is €9 (£7.87), and you can pick up a cappuccino for as little as €1.57 (£1.37).

Meanwhile, in Lisbon, while a local beer is roughly the same, a meal out is around €3 more expensive and coffee costs around €2.39 (£2.09).

DREAMY DEALS

Our pick of the best long haul holidays for short haul prices

FEB-ULOUS TIME

February half term days out for UNDER £10, including free and £1 attractions

Hotel room prices are as little as £22 per night on Booking.com.

A one-night stay in the Hotel Moon & Sun Braga is is right in the middle of the city.

Rooms have en-suites, some even have balconies with incredible skyline views – rates for a one-night stay in March start from £29.50pp.

Airbnbs like a double room in the Rua da Violinha guesthouse which has a private bathroom starts from £30 – or £15pp.

When it comes to exploring the city, some of the biggest attractions include Braga Cathedral.

It was built in the 11^th century, making it the oldest in the country – technically it was built several centuries before Portugal became a country.

Bom Jesus do Monte is a Roman Catholic sanctuary with around 580 steps.

It has 15 statues and six fountains and is described as a “peaceful and awe-inspiring destination, with stunning panoramic views and serene gardens”.

Palácio do Raio is a beautiful blue-tiled palace which visitors have called “enchanting” with brightly painted doors and balconies.

Other tourist attractions in Braga, including Santa Barbara Garden, a public garden that’s open throughout the year.

For a spot of shopping, you can’t go wrong with Braga Parque with all the big-name shops.

For independent boutiques, head into the city centre where for plenty of clothes and handmade items.

Aside from the historical sites, make sure to check out the city’s trendy cafes and restaurants.

Braga is also home to several trendy cafes like Soul – Alimentação Saudável e do Bem, which serves brunch dishes.

One popular restaurant is Café Astória, which is known as Arcada by the locals, is one of the oldest places to eat in the city with over 110 years of history.

Visitors to the city should try Braga’s signature dishes.

The first being Bacalhau à Braga which is fried cod with onions, peppers, and crispy potatoes.

There’s also Papas de Sarrabulho, pork and blood rice porridge, Rojões, marinated pork, and Pudim à Abade de Priscos, a rich crème caramel pudding, for dessert.

A few years ago, Braga was named Europe’s Emerging Tourism Destination in the Oscars of Travel aka the World Travel Awards which have been running since 1993.

Braga beat previous winner Batumi to the top spot in the up-and-coming European destination category.

While Braga has its own airfield, this is used for private or smaller aircraft.

Major airlines will fly into nearby Porto which is a 45 minutes drive away.

In March, Brits can get to Porto from Birmingham Airport with flights from £16 with Ryanair.

Plus, here are the five lesser-known places where the Portuguese always go on holiday… and where they avoid.

And discover the secret side to Portugal that has been crowned one of the best places in Europe.

This article explores the historical roots and cultural traditions of Martisor, a celebration observed on the first of March in Romania and Moldova. The author explains that the month’s name originates from Mars, who served as both a god of war and an agricultural deity for the Romans. To welcome the arrival of spring, people exchange symbolic red and white threads tied to small charms, which represent the transition from winter’s cold to summer’s warmth. Women typically wear these tokens throughout the month to invite vitality and wellness into their lives. Finally, the custom concludes by attaching the threads to fruit  … 

With a two-mile long beach, a charming high street and great food, it’s the perfect spot for a day trip

A coastal suburb located just 15 minutes from a major UK capital city deserves a spot on your spring getaway list right now. Although it’s not quite warm and sunny yet, a seaside trip is an excellent way to clear your head, and nothing quite compares to those stunning views across the water.

I visited Portobello near Edinburgh late last year, and I’m amazed I hadn’t made the journey earlier. With a high street packed with independent retailers, fantastic cuisine, and excellent transport connections, it’s truly an ideal destination if you’re looking to venture slightly off the tourist trail.

The bus journey from the city centre took just 15 minutes, dropping us directly in the town’s centre, and it was instantly apparent that this location was something special.

Unsurprisingly, our first port of call was heading straight to the waterfront for a leisurely stroll along the coast. The conditions were gloriously sunny and clear, albeit cold, but it was quite invigorating following the hour-long train journey from Glasgow.

Portobello’s shoreline stretches for two miles, boasting a Victorian-era promenade and panoramic views across the Firth of Forth. Given it was a bright Sunday morning, the area was reasonably busy, with numerous families out strolling and dogs bounding across the sand.

The first thing that struck me about the beach was its cleanliness. It’s evident that the locals of Portobello, or ‘Porty’ as it’s fondly referred to, take immense pride in their environment.

Ensure our latest lifestyle and travel headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

I regret not visiting during the summer months, as I can see this being a fantastic spot for sunbathing and perhaps even taking a dip in the sea. But it’s not long now until it’ll hopefully be warm enough to do just that.

In 2024, Portobello was named the second-best coastal town in the UK by JoJo Maman Bebe, and its beach has also been honoured with a Keep Scotland Beautiful award, proving its allure.

After a leisurely stroll along the beach and working up an appetite, we decided it was time to grab a bite to eat. The seafront at Portobello beach is lined with a huge array of dining options, from enormous pizza slices at Civerino’s to brunch and coffee at The Beach House.

Many of these places offer outdoor seating, allowing you to dine practically on the beach, and it was lovely to see so many people doing just that.

We chose to visit Shrimp Wreck, a seafood joint boasting a small yet appetising menu. This street food stall was featured on BBC’s My Million Pound Menu and is renowned for its fish finger sandwiches – even securing a finalist position in the Birds Eye Fish Finger Sandwich Awards in 2017.

Naturally, this is what I opted for, and I can see why it’s so popular. Battered flaky fish fillets, mushy peas and the best chips I’ve ever had, all served in a soft roll, was perhaps the messiest meal I could have chosen, but I wouldn’t change a thing.

Next, it was time to properly explore the high street where the bus had left us. It’s situated just behind the promenade, and whilst it wasn’t as bustling as the beach itself, there were still plenty of people milling about – and importantly, a good number of shops open for business.

One of the standout spots for me was The Portobello Bookshop, a delightful independent bookshop brimming with novels, cookbooks and much more. The space was light, cosy and inviting, the sort of place where you could easily spend hours browsing without getting bored.

They also host events, such as Q+A’s with authors, so it’s worth checking out their schedule if you’re planning a visit.

Cove is another must-see if you’re a fan of gift shops. This one was packed with every trinket imaginable, from Jellycat toys to candles and shampoo bars, not to mention lovely cards and tempting chocolate bars too.

Portobello’s high street might not be the largest, but it’s certainly one of the most charming I’ve seen. There are additional food and drink options here, as well as pubs and even an Aldi, so you’re unlikely to run out of options anytime soon.

One spot we didn’t manage to visit, which I’m eager to return for, is the swim centre. Here in Portobello, you’ll discover a genuine Victorian Turkish bath, one of only 11 in the UK, as well as a gym and fitness studio, so this is certainly on the list for our next trip.

If you’ve never been to Portobello, it truly is the ideal location for a weekend getaway – even in chillier weather. Its proximity to the lively city of Edinburgh makes it perfect if you’re looking to escape the city rush and spend some time dining, drinking and unwinding by the water.

This location offers breathtaking views which are out of this world (quite literally) and it’s not a long trip either as it’s located in the UK. So have you been here before?

Searching for your next adventure? While some days out demand preparation so are fully prepped, this travel destination requires little fuss and is perfect for a Sunday hiking trip.

Not only does this location boast stunning views, it’s also otherworldly (quite literally) as one hiker claimed it resembles “just like Mars”. Conor, an avid adventurer, recently ventured to Parys Mountain, situated in Anglesey, which depending on where you are in the UK, is a few hours away, especially if you’re craving a change of scenery. The Welsh island is renowned for its coastline and historic landmarks.

The content creator, known as Conor_Hikes, recently shared the spot with his 20,500 TikTok followers.

He stated: “A must do hike in the UK! This is Parys Mountain, located in Anglesey. It was once known as the Copper Kingdom, and it was once the world’s largest copper mines! This place really does look like Mars.”

How to get there:

If you’re travelling from London, it’s around 5 hours by car. Those from Bristol are looking at 4 hours in the car, while cities up north like Liverpool are just 2 hours away from the location.

Of course if you’re in Wales, it’s a lot more local for you. According to Conor, there’s complimentary parking if you enter the postcode LL68 9RE into your satnav.

What to do there:

Once you arrive at Parys Mountain, there’s a 4km circular trail available for hiking. The otherworldly terrain is ideal for rambling, photography and discovery.

Visitors can wander around the copper mine, soak up the views of Snowdonia and discover the nearby Copper Kingdom exhibition.

People could also venture through the “moon-like” landscape which Conor praised in his TikTok video. Routes vary from a 45-minute shortcut to a 90-minute main circuit.

The paths showcase spectacular, colourful rock formations in hues of orange, yellow, and purple.

For nature enthusiasts, the site is home to wildlife including skylarks, meadow pipits, and choughs.

Just bear in mind it’s advisable to wear pack walking boots due to the loose, rocky and uneven ground.

There’s no facilities or cafés on the mountain, but the nearby Copper Kingdom Centre in Amlwch offers historical background and amenities.

And if you want to maximise your visit, late summer is perfect for witnessing purple heather in blossom. However, the trails remain accessible throughout the year.

Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

February was a short but busy month, with holidays Lunar New Year, Mardi Gras, Iftar and Lent all overlapping this year.

It also marked Black History Month, offering an opportunity to celebrate the culinary contributions of Black communities near and far, including resilient restaurants in Pasadena and Altadena, a 250-acre ranch in Acton that represents the largest Black-owned farm in L.A. County, and the legacy of the ‘Dean of Southern cuisine’ chef Joe Randall, who died at 79 after spending a half-century of amplifying African American culinary traditions. In Inglewood, Serving Spoon won the America’s Classic in California award from the James Beard Foundation, and will receive a medal at the ceremony this June.

With summer temperatures and clear skies this weekend, it’s hard to believe that just weeks ago, the city was hit with a week of heavy rainstorms. Several restaurants across the region were forced to temporarily close due to flooding, resulting in revenue loss and expensive repairs.

March brings the start of spring, which means we’re already seeing seasonal produce such as asparagus, peas and apricots appear on our favorite menus. Keep reading for more dining ideas this month, including the return of a globe-trotting cafe, a community-minded food hub in South L.A. and an Argentinian bistro with a connection to Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance.

Thousands of Brits are thought to be stranded in the Middle East after US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran

A travel expert has issued three words of crucial advice for people stranded in the Middle East following US and Israeli air strikes on Iran. Simon Calder made the remarks after hundreds of thousands of travellers found themselves stuck in destinations such as Qatar and Abu Dhabi in the wake of the attacks.

Numerous airlines, including British Airways, Emirates, and Qatar Airways, grounded flights following Iranian retaliatory strikes throughout the region. When flights will resume normal service remains unclear, with thousands of Britons believed to be stranded.

Speaking on Radio 5 Live, Mr Calder had three key words he urged travellers to follow: “At the moment, the best advice I have for anyone who is stuck in various parts of the world is: just be patient.”

The situation will be resolved – I hope, very much sooner rather than later,” he added. “What we have seen is the extraordinary sight of the big three of Middle Eastern hubs – Dubai International, Doha, and Abu Dhabi – all closing because of the retaliatory strikes from Iran. We have never seen that. The last thing of this scale we saw in this area like that here was the Covid pandemic.

READ MORE: Travel expert Simon Calder predicts when BA, Etihad and Emirates flights will resume after Iran attackREAD MORE: Nationwide customers’ three steps needed to qualify for free £100 payout

“Consider this. More than a quarter of a million passengers were due (on Saturday) to fly to and through Dubai International Airport alone. It is bigger than Heathrow Airport, handles more passengers, and everyone is desperate to get where they need to be.

“I have been speaking to people who were about to take off, they had the ‘boarding complete’ announcement, and suddenly the captain said, ‘Sorry, airspace closed, we are staying here’. It took them three hours to get off the aircraft because they all had to be processed through immigration, leaving them in a place where they really didn’t want to be. Many of them were just off a previous flight a few hours before and were waiting to travel on to their final destination of London Heathrow.”

It was subsequently confirmed that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes, casting serious doubt over the future of the Islamic Republic. The death of Mr Khamenei, following decades in power, has triggered furious scenes across other parts of the Middle East and beyond, heightening the threat of potential regional instability.

Dubai International ranks as the world’s busiest airport, processing roughly 250,000 passengers daily. Doha Airport in Qatar handles approximately 150,000 travellers each day, meaning enormous travel chaos as both airports continue to be affected.

Doha holds particular significance for British passengers flying to and from the Middle East, Asia and the UK. Mr Calder went on to say: “Some people are in the difficult position of being stranded on the wrong side, and they are trying to get back to the UK but finding that air passenger rights rules – which are great when you are flying from Europe – don’t work the same way when you are flying to Europe on a non-UK or non-EU airline.

“They can basically just say, ‘well, good luck, we’ll try and get you there in a week or you can take a refund’. It’s really, really difficult Airlines like Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, they are not legally obliged to find hotel accommodation for all these stranded passengers and get them back as soon as possible but hopefully they will do so.

“The other problem for people whose flights have been cancelled, when flights resume, they go to the back of the queue. If flights resume on Monday, anybody who has a flight booked on Monday will fly on Monday, and people whose flights were cancelled over the weekend – and we are talking hundreds of thousands now – they are going to be finding that they are at the back of the queue, scrabbling for whatever available seats there are.”

EY up . . .  Heathcliff is not the only mysterious, brooding beast in Yorkshire.

The scenery provides just as much drama as the Wuthering Heights character.

With the recent film adaptation of Emily Bronte’s novel — starring ­Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi — the Yorkshire Dales is once again teeming with yearning Cathys and brooding young Heathcliffs.

And there I was too, like a budget Cathy, if she wore Gore-Tex and hiking boots rather than a generous bustle.

Largely shot on location in the Yorkshire Dales National Park — amid the landcapes of Swaledale and Arkengarthdale valleys and the peaceful village of Low Row — the movie shines a well-deserved spotlight on this glorious corner of England.

With its scarred limestone hills, scattered with rocks, and rolling green pastures, criss-crossed with drystone walls and peppered with honeyed-stone villages, this region is the picture of a period drama.

I WOOD

I found the perfect woodland staycation for Center Parcs vibes without the price tag

WEEKEND AWAY?

Six staycation deals across UK from Cotswolds cottages to lakefront lodges

While the rain barely lets up in the movie, Yorkshire welcomes me with beautiful blue skies, sunshine and even a light dusting of snow on the hills.

I’m almost disappointed.

I’ve brought along my own Heathcliff, my partner Toby, and my dog, Miss Babs, who loves a good romp across the moors.

We’re staying in Settle, a cute little market town in the heart of Bronte Country near the southern entrance of the National Park.

After the long journey, we hunker down with the first of many pints of local Thwaites ale in The Golden Lion – a coaching inn in the centre of town and our base for the weekend.

Rooms are cosy and comfy with a modern country feel.

Settle is a popular base for walkers.

Nearby is Ribblesdale, probably the best known walking area in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, not least for those conquering the Yorkshire Three Peaks — Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent.

As keen but fair-weather walkers, we opt for an easy route along the River Ribble, which still offers some spectacular views across the Dales.

Unlike in the 18th century, there’s no need to ride a bumpy old stagecoach around these parts.

Settle is the starting point of England’s most scenic railway journey.

Celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, the Settle–Carlisle Railway soars over viaducts and through heather-filled moorlands.

There are numerous stops on the 72-mile route, including the magnificent Ribblehead Viaduct, which has 24 arches.

It’s a bargain at £4.60 for a single journey.

We stayed on until Dent, the highest railway station in England, and walked part of the Dales Way, which runs from Ilkley to Lake Windermere, stopping for a pint (OK, three) at the Sportsman Inn before wobbling back for the train.

Back at the The Golden Lion, it’s time for dinner.

Choices include fat steaks (from £18.50), beer-battered fish and chips (£18.50) and Settle pudding, a traditional suet pudding oozing with steak and ale, which Toby gazes at with the lustful look of Heathcliff.

On Sunday morning, the weather turns moody.

After a hearty Yorkshire breakfast, we drive five miles to Malham, a fine village with several easy-to-access walks.

We take a muddy trudge up to Malham Cove – a natural limestone amphitheatre – and then to Gordale Scar, a towering limestone gorge with a gushing waterfall, which featured in Netflix drama, The Witcher.

Dark, damp and deliciously Gothic, it’s a fitting end to our Wuthering Heights weekend.

Cliff is sitting in his farm truck scanning the hillsides with powerful binoculars. “It’s the rams,” he says. “They can stray at this time of year.” I follow his direction of gaze, down a golden hillside covered in bracken and boulders to a dark patch in the valley bottom. “Hopefully not down there,” he adds. “That’s the quaking bog.”

Sometimes a chance encounter can transform your appreciation of an area, and that is about to happen for me. I’m heading up Craig y Garn mountain to catch the sunrise over the Llŷn peninsula and the first rays are already stealing over the tops of distant Cadair Idris, rousing giant shadows from under the trees. Cliff, who also happens to be my landlord for the week, points to the house on a hill above the bog: “Where you’re staying was my great-grandmother’s house – or at least what is now the living room. She kept one pig, one sheep and one cow, and made buttermilk where the conservatory is.”

Below the house, mostly out of sight, is the local village. “There used to be a pub and a shop. The school had 150 in it when I was there 70 years ago.” He grins. “I didn’t speak a word of English till I was seven.”

The tale of decline in rural amenities is a common one, but I am here to investigate an area that is pushing back hard. The Llŷn is leading the way in opening community pubs, restaurants, cafes and shops, facilities that, combined with the Wales Coast Path, make it a great area to explore.

For Cliff, the rural decline was a family lived experience. “Great uncle Bob left on a ship from Caernarfon in 1900 and joined the Klondike goldrush. Lots of people here were slate miners so could get jobs in North America.”

In fact, throughout the late 19th century, parts of Wales were gripped by emigration fever. Posters went up advertising passage on “fine fast-sailing barques”, usually with a “ballast of slates”. After many adventures, great uncle Bob settled in Whitehorse, in Canada’s Yukon, and is buried in its Pioneer Cemetery.

I leave Cliff and run up to the summit. The shadow giants have all disappeared, but the view is still dazzling, a reminder that the Llŷn is an extraordinary place. To the east, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) is white with ice. Looking west, I can see the Irish Sea on both sides and on the north coast a trio of conical mountains, like volcanic plugs. The tallest, Garn Ganol (561m), is an extraordinary granite intrusion that was once a busy mining area, one of only two sources in the world for curling stones. Nearby is one of the first-ever community pubs in Britain, the Tafarn y Fic, established in 1988, where I aim to finish my first walk.

I start right under Garn Ganol peak, heading down a steep and spectacular valley towards a shingle beach and the village of Nant Gwrtheyrn. The settlement was abandoned when the mines closed, but local doctor Carl Clowes set about reviving it as a cultural centre in 1978, with courses in the Welsh language. (The doctor’s cultural impact didn’t stop there: two of his sons played in the rock band Super Furry Animals, a big part of the Welsh musical renaissance of the 1990s.)

From the beach, the path winds up over a headland to St Beuno’s chapel near the hamlet of Pistyll. This simple church is more like an ancient sacred cave with its bare stone walls and straw-covered floor. From here, I loop back over the hill to Tafarn y Fic in Llithfaen.

Back in the 1980s, this village was in decline, but its relative isolation proved a vital factor in triggering community action. With alternative pubs and shops a long drive away, the defunct Victoria Hotel (the “Vic”, which transliterates as Fic in Welsh) was bought out by locals and reopened. When I drop in for a pint, there are teenagers playing pool and darts while a couple of locals are working on their laptops by the fire. Across the road is a community shop.

The pioneering Tafarn y Fic proved an inspiration to other villages in the area. My next walk is along the south coast from the village of Llanystumdwy, where Tafarn y Plu (The Feathers) stands. Here, they have a fun little honesty shop outside and a stage for concerts. “It got so busy last summer that we ran out of beer,” the barmaid tells me. “Luckily, all the other community pubs sent barrels over.”

Llanystumdwy is famous for its most successful son: David Lloyd George. The great political orator grew up here, deeply immersed in Welsh nonconformist liberalism, factors that are arguably still at play in the strong tradition of collective action. Not that community spirit is necessarily benevolent: when Lloyd George came back to speak here in 1912 as chancellor of the exchequer, suffragette hecklers were beaten unconscious by locals.

I walk through the village, past the lovely stone bridge and the great man’s grave in the woods. There is a museum, too, closed for winter at the time of my visit. Back on the coastal path, I reach Criccieth, a lovely town with an impressive castle, still much as it was when sketched by JMW Turner back in 1798, having been left in ruins by Owain Glyndwr’s forces in 1404.

Just beyond, on the town beach, is a lovely art deco building, now Dylan’s restaurant. Designed by Clough Williams Ellis, known for nearby Portmeirion, it was not actually built until the 1950s and now makes a rather stylish lunch stop on the walk.

The coastal path here follows the long, broad beaches with stunning views of Harlech Castle, the Rhinogs and Cadair Idris mountains across the bay. No wonder Turner loved the area: there is always something going on with the light. The sea is suddenly snarling with whitecaps or else washed with an orange blush. As the bay narrows into the estuary, a steam train puffs out across the causeway and a squadron of curlews lands on one of many sandbanks.

I was hoping to catch the northern branch of the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Line to Caernarfon and pick up the coastal path again, but that plan is foiled by a landslip. In summer, however, this would be a great option. The two heritage lines, one up to Caernarfon and one to Blaenau Ffestiniog, are fine examples of community effort too, having been rescued from oblivion by volunteers and enthusiasts who even built four new kilometres of track after the Electricity Board unhelpfully flooded part of the line in 1954. Together with the mainline to Pwllheli, they are a convenient means to starting or finishing non-circular walks.

Once I reach Caernarfon, I find a lovely ancient town with a newly redeveloped old slate-loading quay, Cei Llechi, right under the famous castle walls. The coastal path here follows the Menai Strait, circling around Foryd Bay bird reserve, then the long beach at Dinas Dinlle. Just back from the beach in the village of Llandwrog is the latest addition to the roster of community ventures: the Ty’n Llan community pub, restaurant and hotel. This vibrant and extensive project is testament to the growing confidence and capability of the community-ownership movement. It’s also a great spot to start learning Welsh, as it’s the main language of the public bar. So, iechyd da – cheers!

The trip was provided by the Wales Coast Path which follows the Llŷn peninsula for 96 miles. Pen y Braich Uchaf cottage sleeps six and is bookable through Sykes Cottages from £714 a week. Tafarn y Plu will reopen in autumn 2026 after a £2m upgrade

British Airways has cancelled flights to Tel Aviv, Bahrain and Amman with passengers offered free changes or refunds – as travellers are warned they may need to ‘get creative’ amid mass disruption

Travellers will need to “get creative” if they want to fly in the coming days, an expert has cautioned, with hundreds of thousands of people stranded or rerouted to alternative airports following widespread airspace closures throughout the Middle East.

Israel, Qatar, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait and Bahrain have all closed their airspaces. Flight tracking website FlightRadar24 recorded no flight activity over the United Arab Emirates, with the UAE government announcing a “temporary and partial closure” of its airspace.

British Airways has confirmed flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain will remain suspended until next week, whilst flights to Amman, Jordan, were scrapped on Saturday.

READ MORE: Donald Trump tells Iran ‘better not’ strike after Ayatollah Khamenei killedREAD MORE: Dubai airport chaos: Emirates confirms when flights will resume as Brits scramble to flee

Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

This resulted in the shutdown of crucial hub airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, and the scrapping of over 1,000 flights by leading Middle Eastern carriers, reports the Express.

The three principal airlines operating from those airports – Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad – typically handle approximately 90,000 passengers daily through those hubs, with even greater numbers of travellers bound for Middle Eastern destinations, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium. Dubai international airport ranks as the world’s busiest airport for international flights.

Aviation industry analyst and president of Atmosphere Research Group Henry Harteveldt said, via AP: “For travellers, there’s no way to sugarcoat this… you should prepare for delays or cancellations for the next few days as these attacks evolve and hopefully end.

“Travellers should anticipate that there will be a lot of disruptions,” he said, before adding: “To be honest, if you haven’t left home, chances are you won’t be leaving home if you’re supposed to travel to or through these destinations for at least several days, if not longer. And if you are returning home, you will have to be very creative about how you get home.”

BRITISH AIRWAYS: FULL STATEMENT ON FLIGHTS TO AND FROM THE MIDDLE EAST.

BA released an official statement on its website late on Saturday (February 28) for passengers who may be affected by the rapidly developing situation in the Middle East.

Here is the statement in full:. “We are closely monitoring the situation and have cancelled a number of our flights to the Middle East. Safety is always our top priority and we would never operate a flight unless it was safe to do so.

“If you are due to fly between London Heathrow and Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai or Tel Aviv you can change your flight free of charge up to and including 6 March. Customers travelling up to and including 4 March may also request a full refund.

“Should you wish to do so, please ring our contact centres on 0800 727 800 within the UK or 020 3250 0145 where a member of our team will be happy to assist. You can also find useful information, including details of your consumer rights, at ba.com/helpme..

“Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to welcoming you on board soon.”

BA’s statement comes as airlines serving the Middle East cancelled or diverted flights en masse on Saturday in the wake of US and Israeli airstrikes against on Iran.

Iran hit back by launching a wave of attacks, targeting Israel and four Gulf Arab nations hosting US military bases – Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE.

British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Wizz Air were amongst the carriers to reduce their schedules to Middle Eastern destinations, citing safety concerns. The UK Foreign Office urged British nationals in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to immediately shelter in place following explosions.

UK Foreign Office issues advice for Britons trapped in Dubai.

For any Britons currently in the UAE, the Foreign Office released new guidance overnight.

All citizens already present in the UAE are strongly encouraged to notify the UK government by registering their presence to receive further updates as the situation continues to develop across the Middle East. “Due to reported missile attacks, British nationals in the UAE should immediately shelter in place. Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities.”

The FDCO also advised British nationals in the UAE to take sensible precautions, taking into account their own personal circumstances.

• – Read the UK Government’s fact sheet If you’re affected by a crisis abroad. This includes guidance on how to prepare for a crisis with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and what to do in a crisis.
• – Follow advice from the local authorities and sign up to receive information and alerts. Read the FDCO fact sheet: National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority’s guidance across numerous emergencies.
• – Sign up to FCDO Travel Advice to get email notifications on updates as they happen.

Follow our live blog for the latest travel updates by clicking here.